The Ultimate Checklist for Moving to Assisted Living in Colorado
When Moving Feels Overwhelming — You’re Not Alone
If you’re like many families in the Colorado Front Range, the idea of moving your loved one into assisted living can feel like a mountain of logistics, emotions, and unknowns. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. You want to do what’s best — but where do you start?
That’s exactly why we created this compassionate, deeply helpful checklist.
Whether you’re preparing for your mom’s move into a memory care community in Arvada or helping your dad downsize to assisted living in Westminster, this guide walks you through the most important steps to ensure a smooth, dignified transition.
Let’s take it one step at a time.
Harmony’s Assisted Living Moving Checklist
We’ve broken down the move into key categories:
1. Planning for Healthcare Needs
A smooth transition starts with health continuity.
☑ Schedule a visit with their current primary care doctor. Get a check-up, an updated medication list, and any required paperwork completed for the new community.
☑ If moving to a new city, find a new doctor nearby. Ask for referrals or search tools like Medicare’s physician finder.
☑ Understand medication protocols. Ask your assisted living community whether they accept bottled medications or use a preferred pharmacy.
☑ Line up other specialists. Schedule eye exams, dental check-ups, or physical therapy visits before the move.
2. Finding the Right Moving Company
Moving someone into assisted living is not your typical move — it requires patience and often, special care.
☑ Ask the community for local referrals. Many Colorado communities work regularly with senior moving specialists.
☑ Get 2–3 cost estimates. Ask for a breakdown of services included.
☑ Read online reviews. Look for companies with specific experience in senior or assisted living moves.
☑ Verify licensing and insurance. Especially important if moving across state lines.
☑ Check availability for your desired move date. Book early to avoid scheduling issues.
☑ Ask if they handle specialty items. Such as hospital beds, recliners, or fragile heirlooms.
3. Packing Tips for Assisted Living
Downsizing is emotional. Here’s how to approach it practically and kindly:
☑ Consider hiring a senior move manager. These professionals can help with sorting, floor plans, selling or donating items, and setup in the new home.
☑ Start with the essentials. Clothing, toiletries, bedding, glasses, hearing aids, favorite books.
☑ Use color-coded labels. Mark what goes to the new home, what’s stored, and what’s donated.
☑ Secure valuables. Family heirlooms and jewelry should be stored off-site or in a safety deposit box.
4. Handle the Logistical Details
These are the behind-the-scenes tasks that ensure nothing gets missed:
☑ Set up USPS mail forwarding. Do it online at USPS.com.
☑ Cancel old utilities. And check if the new community includes utility costs.
☑ Update addresses everywhere. Include healthcare providers, banks, subscriptions, and Social Security.
☑ Add community contacts to your phone. Know how to quickly reach nurses, concierge, and maintenance staff.
☑ Discuss and document end-of-life plans. Provide copies of advance directives, POAs, and DNRs.
5. “The Week Of” Final Checklist
This is your pre-move sanity saver:
☑ Confirm paperwork with the community. Avoid last-minute signatures.
☑ Get contact details for your loved one’s new phone or landline. Share it with family.
☑ Arrange for an emergency pendant. Many communities provide them — but double-check.
☑ Ask about gate codes and building access. Provide codes to movers and family.
Personal Guidance From People Who Care
At Harmony Senior Referrals, we’re not just experts — we’re family members who’ve walked this journey ourselves. Whether you’re planning a move next week or next season, we’re here to walk beside you.
Here’s how we help:
- Speak with a local specialist — We’ll listen and help you plan the move with care.
- Tour and compare communities — We’ll match you with the right options in Arvada, Longmont, or nearby.
- Get peace of mind — We’ll help coordinate logistics and remove the guesswork.
👉 Speak with a Harmony Specialist today
FAQs: Assisted Living Move Questions Answered
What’s the best way to help my parent downsize for assisted living?
Start early. Focus on essentials, and bring items that make their space feel like home. Consider hiring a senior move specialist for added support.
When should I notify the post office of the address change?
One to two weeks before the move. This ensures uninterrupted mail delivery. Use the USPS change of address tool.
Do assisted living communities help with the move?
Some do offer move-in coordination or refer trusted partners. Always ask if they offer welcome kits, setup assistance, or floor plan guidance.
Can we bring our own furniture?
Yes! In fact, bringing familiar furniture and decor can ease the emotional transition. Just confirm space limitations with the community.
How long does it take to adjust to assisted living?
Every senior is different. Most people adjust within 30–90 days. Familiar visits, personal items, and a gentle routine can help ease the change.
Picture This: A Peaceful Move, a Confident Choice
Imagine walking into your loved one’s new apartment — bed made, photos on the wall, everything in place. There’s music playing down the hall. They smile.
You did it. You made the right choice.
And you didn’t have to do it alone.
👉 Speak with a Harmony Specialist today
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